"Judy, Patrick, and Meredith, So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. We so enjoyed visiting with him and especially his frequent fill-ins at the pulpit. He was always so passionate about the topics of discussion and his down home straight talking style was so welcome. Our thoughts and prayers are with you."
In loving memory of
James Patrick Morgans
December 25, 1946 - August 11, 2015
James Patrick Morgans, son of Ord Harold Morgans and Bernice Josephine (Johnson) Morgans, was born on December 25, 1946 at Red Oak, Iowa. He entered into rest early Tuesday morning, August 11, 2015 at Bergan Mercy Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 68 years, 7 months, 17 days.
Growing up, James' early life was spent in the communities of Boone and Essex, Iowa. He attended the Essex Community Schools, graduating from Essex High School with the Class of 1965. Following graduation, he attended Tarkio College in Tarkio, Missouri where he received a Degree in History. James later did his graduate work at Northwest Missouri State University and the University of Iowa.
On April 29, 1967, James was united in marriage to the love of his life, Judith Ann Raymond Rosenquist. Following their marriage they made their home in Shenandoah, where they raised their two children, Patrick James and Meredith Joy.
A celebrated Author, Historian and Lecturer, James shared his love of history while working at various educational programs. To his credit, he had over 200 articles published and taught writing courses on how to get published. He made numerous public presentations at various historical societies and conferences, including the Cowboy Hall of Fame, East Tennesee Historical Society, Des Moines Civil War Roundtable, the Western Historic Trails Center plus many other sites and venues. He authored four books: John Todd and the Underground Railroad, Letters and Reminiscences from the Iowa Frontier: John Todd and the Tabor Colony 1850-1865 and The Underground Railroad on the Western Frontier. James' fourth book is set to be released in the Fall/Winter of 2015 entitled, Grenville Mellen Dodge in the Civil War. James was also featured in a documentary titled The Jim Lane Trail about the Underground Railroad.
James was a member of the Tabor Historical Society, the Western Writers of America as well as a member of the United Congregational Church (UCC) in Council Bluffs. He enjoyed teaching Adult Sunday School at the UCC in Shenandoah and also served as a guest minister at various churches in Southwest Iowa. Even in his spare time, James enjoyed anything involving history, he also liked to follow his favorite teams, the Kansas City Royals and Husker Football. Most of all, he loved being "Papa" and spending time with his grandchildren.
Preceding James in death were his parents; nephew, Chris Eckley; brother-in-law, Steven Rosenquist; and father-in-laws, Robert Raymond and Harold Rosenquist. He is survived by his wife of over 48 years, Judith Morgans, their two children, Patrick James Morgans and Meredith Joy Kuehler and her husband Scott and two grandchildren, Benjamin Patrick and Elizabeth Joy Kuehler, all of Omaha, NE; sister, Susan Eckley and husband Junior of Cape Gerardo, MO; brother, Joseph Morgans of Kingman, AZ; mother-in-law, Joy Rosenquist of Council Bluffs, IA; two sister-in-laws, Pam Roush and husband George and Marta Rosenquist, all of Council Bluffs, IA; seven nieces and nephews, Joseph Morgans, James Morgans, Sarah (Morgans) Estes, George Morgans, Jennifer (Eckley) Jemison, Dawn (Tillman) Millikan and Doug Tillman; 12 great grand nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.
Memorials, in lieu of flowers, are being directed to the Tabor Historical Society.
Friends and family will be meeting at the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. Saturday morning to travel in procession to the graveside in Essex.
Tributes
"Always thought very highly of James. He always would know you and speak to you. Please accept my deepest sympathies to the Family."
"Patrick and Meredith So sorry to hear of your loss. Although I did not know your dad, I'm sure he was a great father because I have many memories of the two of you in my Spanish classes and the fun we had. I didn't know your father was an author so now I will have to find and read the books he wrote on subjects that have always interested me as well. My sympathies."
"Dear Judy, Meredith, and Patrick, So very sorry to hear about Jim. His writings of history and events will remain forever as your memories of a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Susan Costello"
"Judy, Joy and family, we are so sorry to hear about jim. He was a wonderful speaker at church and a very nice man. He will really be missed. Richard and Joy Thompson"
"Jim Morgans was a very good baseball pitcher (I played against him in our high school years and caught him in our town team years). He was a better writer. He was better-yet as a historian and storyteller. And he was best-of-all a fine human being who was a great husband to my classmate Judy, father and grandfather. It is difficult thinking of him being gone now. Eternal rest grant unto Jim, O Lord, and may your perpetual light shine upon him!"
"Dear Judy and Family, we are so saddened to hear of Jim's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in the difficult days ahead. Strength and comfort to add of you. Doug and Dee (Johnson) Dugenske."
"Dear Judy, We were surprised to hear of Jim's passing. Our heart felt condolences to you and your family during this difficult time."
"Was shocked to learn of Jim's passing but know he's now with his Savior in glory. Our prayers are with the family. "
"Dear Judy and Kids, So sorry to hear of Jim's death. Terry always talked of their town team days playing sports. We will all miss him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Deb and Terry Ratliff"
"Judy & family-So very sorry to hear about Jim! Keeping you all in our thoughts & prayers! Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help. Love, Doug, Teri & family"
"Judy, Meredith and Patrick, I am sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Find comfort in the happy times and good memories you hold in your heart. God Bless Dawn Neumann"
"That wondeful smile... Jim will Bev missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. "
"Judy and Family, We were so very sorry to hear of Jim's passing. His knowledge of Tabor history and the Underground Railroad amazed us and helped us so much. We and the Tabor Historical Society will miss him beyond words. May God be with you at this time and for eternity. Chuck & Kathy Douglass "
"Judy and kids. I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Loved him a lot. He was a great friend and family member. God bless. "
"Judy and family, I was so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was a nice guy and I always liked visiting with him. I'm sure you have lots of good memories and will cherish them always. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. God bless you & keep you. Tom & Sue Spears"
"Judy and family, We were so sorry to hear about Jim's passing. We hope that the love of family and friends will comfort and strengthen you in the days ahead. Out thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Love Tammy and Larry Lauman"
"So sorry. A great man. Wonderful family. TWILA Larson"
"So sorry for your loss Morgans family. Thinking of you all."
"Judy and family my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Both of you were great neighbors to my parents, cliff and Dorothy hamm."
"To Judy and family, So sorry to see the news of Jim's passing! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Another Essex guy gone too soon!"
"A great friend and writer. You will be missed. Sending my prayers of sympathy to Judy and the kids. Remember the good times!"